RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The Nd:YAG laser irradiation of dental enamel was evaluated in enamel demineralization experiments in a Streptococcus mutans culture media. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies had shown that a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser at an energy of approximately 67 mJ may induce an increased acid resistance in human dental enamel when exposed to severe demineralization conditions. METHODS: Enamel windows of 3 x 4 cm in the buccal surface were irradiated with a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1,064 microns using energy densities of from 83.75 to 187.50 J/cm2. Enamel windows of 3 x 4 cm on the lingual surface served as control (without the laser irradiation). The enamel windows were then exposed to a Streptococcus mutans culture media at a temperature of 37 degrees C for 15 and 21 days. The laser effects and demineralization were examined both by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: A comparison between the lased and the unlased windows of enamel showed fusion and recrystalization of the enamel and increased acid-resistance in all groups irradiated with the Nd:YAG laser. On the other hand, the 3 x 4 delimited enamel surfaces from the control group (not irradiated with the Nd:YAG laser) showed 100% demineralization. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with the finding that laser irradiation of dental results in significant reduction of the effective solubility of enamel mineral.